hervorrufen
to evoke / cause
To trigger or cause a particular reaction, feeling, or effect.
EXAMPLE
Die Rede des Politikers rief bei den Zuhörern lauten Protest hervor.
The politician's speech caused loud protest among the listeners.
hervorrufen
to evoke / cause
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
hervorrufen
to call out
To ask someone to come out of a group or hiding place. This meaning is very rare today and somewhat outdated.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge wurde aus der Menge hervorgerufen, um seine Aussage zu machen.
The witness was called out from the crowd to give his statement.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Hervorrufen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'hervor-' goes to the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten rief bei allen Erstaunen hervor.
His behavior caused amazement among everyone.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'hervor' (out, forward) and 'rufen' (to call). The literal meaning is therefore to 'call something out' or to cause something to appear.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachricht rief große Freude hervor.
The news caused great joy.
Typical collocations
This verb is often combined with abstract nouns that describe a reaction or a feeling. Typical examples are: 'eine Reaktion hervorrufen' (to cause a reaction), 'Gefühle hervorrufen' (to evoke feelings), 'eine Diskussion hervorrufen' (to spark a discussion), or 'einen Eindruck hervorrufen' (to create an impression).
EXAMPLE
Der Film hat bei mir gemischte Gefühle hervorgerufen.
The film evoked mixed feelings in me.
Register and style
'Hervorrufen' belongs more to written language or a more formal style. It often sounds somewhat more elevated than other verbs with a similar meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie soll neue Erkenntnisse über die Krankheit hervorrufen.
The study is intended to produce new findings about the disease.
Compare with
hervorrufen vs verursachen
to cause
„Verursachen“ focuses more on the reason that leads to a consequence. „Hervorrufen“ focuses more strongly on the reaction, feeling, or effect that is triggered. Use „verursachen“ for the causal explanation and „hervorrufen“ when the effect itself is the focus.
hervorrufen
Der starke Lärm rief bei den Kindern Angst hervor.
The loud noise evoked fear in the children.
verursachen
Der starke Lärm verursachte bei den Kindern Kopfschmerzen.
The loud noise caused the children headaches.
In real life
Loading video examples...